In 2022, Renault launched the OpenR Link multimedia system with integrated Google functions for the first time in the Mégane E-Tech electric car. Previously, the Google Assistant was used for voice control. This is now being replaced by Google’s AI assistant Gemini.
Gemini: Free over-the-air update
The gradual introduction of Gemini has been running since mid-June 2026 via a free over-the-air update for all of the manufacturer’s vehicles with OpenR Link. A visit to the workshop is therefore not necessary, as Renault reports.
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To initiate the update, users activate Gemini via the central display in the interior of their vehicle. The prerequisite is that you are logged in to your Google account. Renault points out that this is an opt-in variant. This means: If you don’t want to activate Gemini, you don’t have to.
Gemini can control air conditioning and radio
Thanks to its full integration into the vehicle and the Google ecosystem, Gemini’s capabilities in Renault’s OpenR-Link system go beyond those of Android Auto. The AI assistant should be able to directly control vehicle functions such as the air conditioning, navigation or the radio.
It is also possible to use vehicle data such as the range of electric cars for route planning. According to Renault, these vehicle functions can also be controlled via other devices such as smartphones if they are linked to the same Google account.
In addition, Gemini should also be able to support and implement more complex voice-controlled tasks, such as carrying out several tasks in a row without further interaction. Renault cites the following command as an example: “Hey Google, take me to Paris, but avoid the ring road”.
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Gemini is intended to reduce interaction with touch displays
According to the manufacturer, the extended voice control should help to minimize possible distraction for drivers, as they no longer have to interact with the touch display as often. Access to vehicle functions should also be simplified.
In a later update, users should be able to activate the Gemini Live function, which should make it possible to interrupt the AI assistant at any time. In addition, you should be able to make several queries in a row without having to say “Hey Google” every time. Changing the language during the conversation is also supported.
At launch, 13 languages (English, French, German, Swedish, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Danish, Norwegian and Turkish) are supported. More are to follow.
